Joseph Anthony Pepitone made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 1962. In the seven years he spent playing for the top squad, he achieved incredible success as a player.
The Yankees revealed on March 13 that Pepitone, 82, had completely vanished. He appeared in three All-Star games and took home three Gold Glove awards while playing for the storied baseball team. The team said that long after he departed the squad, he continued to be a fan favorite thanks to his charming demeanor and sense of humor.
Pepitone, a native New Yorker, was exposed to baseball by his uncle when he was a little child. He was born in Brooklyn during World War II. By the time he was in high school, scouts would travel to see him play because of his excellent skill.
Statement from The New York Yankees on the passing of Joe Pepitone: pic.twitter.com/XckqVACsfa
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 13, 2023
He was shot by a classmate in 1958, while he was a senior in high school. While the bullet went through his stomach, he was not seriously hurt. He spoke with New York Magazine in 2018 together with other survivors of school shootings about their experiences. The baseball star claimed that after being shot, he muttered, “Oh, there goes my career.” Thankfully, both he and his career survived.
He earned a reputation for always being open to speaking with fans over the course of his career. He was also the first Yankee to enter the clubhouse with a blow dryer. He adored going out and pursuing ladies at night. He played for the Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, and Japan after leaving the Yankees.
The baseball player had a reputation for leading a turbulent life. He allegedly used narcotics, drank alcohol, and argued with his wife. He was ultimately caught, and he spent time in jail.
Joseph Jr., Cara, Bill, Eileen, and Lisa were the five children of Pepitone. He passed away in Kansas City, Missouri, at his daughter’s house.
